Olivier Giroud can hit back at his critics and fire Arsenal to the 2016/17 Premier League title, according to BBC presenter Dan Walker.
The BBC Football Focus presenter gave premierleague.com his predictions for the new season ahead.
Who will win the title?
“It’s incredibly wide open. If you’re looking for stability for title contenders then Liverpool and Spurs and you could even toss Arsenal into that. With the other clubs there has been so much turnaround and change, it will be difficult for the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City to start well.
“It will be brilliant to see how it unfolds; there’s any of six clubs that could win it this year.
“With so many big-name managers now in the Premier League, it’s going to be fascinating to see how it turns out. It’s going to be between the two Manchester sides, with City just edging it.”
Which teams will finish in the top four?
“In order, I will go for Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.”
Which summer signing excites you most?
“Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be the most interesting one, not just in terms of scoring goals but for what he does around the club. If he has anything like the Eric Cantona factor then Manchester United will be hard to stop.
“I like Nolito but Paul Pogba could be big. I saw a few of the French players at the Euros and the influence he has off the pitch is huge. He brings the best out of others and could make the difference.”
Which manager will make the biggest impact?
“In Guardiola, Mourinho, Conte, Klopp, Pochettino, Ranieri and Wenger, you’ve got seven of the top 10 managers in Europe. In terms of the quality of managers that’s what makes it so exciting.
“It’s a real test for Guardiola. The one doubt you can have against him is that everywhere he’s been he’s had the best team. This is the most competitive division he will have managed in.
“He’s in a division where if you ask six people for their title winners, all of them will give you a different name. This is the biggest season of his managerial career.”
Which promoted side will finish highest?
“I would go with Middlesbrough. They’ve recruited really well.
“I really like Burnley. They’ve invested well in terms of infrastructure and they’re a very well-run club but Boro will be the best.”
Who will be the star player this season?
“On the back of a very good Euros and five seasons of people thinking he’s underrated: Olivier Giroud. I would love Arsenal to prove me wrong [and win the title].
“But otherwise, you can’t overlook Sergio Aguero. Giroud’s my dark horse but Aguero has to be the main man.”
